Video Transcript
Explain why transition elements
have high melting and boiling points. (A) Because of their high
densities. (B) Because of the strong metallic
bonds they form. (C) Because of their
paramagnetism. (D) Because of their large atomic
radii. (E) Because of the stable complexes
they form.
This question is asking us to give
the reason behind the high melting and boiling points of transition elements.
In general, high melting and
boiling points are due to strong intermolecular or interatomic forces. If the forces holding together the
molecules or atoms, respectively, are strong, then it will require a lot of energy
to melt or boil the substance. For transition elements, they form
strong metallic bonds that hold the substance together.
In metallic bonds, a sea of
delocalized electrons exists between the metal nuclei. The strong attractions between the
positively charged nuclei and the negatively charged electrons hold the substance
together. As we’ve said before, strong
attractive forces mean a high melting and boiling point.
Looking at the answer choices, the
one that matches this explanation is choice (B), the correct answer. So, why do transition elements have
high melting and boiling points? (B) Because of the strong metallic
bonds they form.
